Biphasic composition induced by polydextrose and sucrose

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to use of polydextrose in combination with sucrose to induce biphasic liquid formation. Salt may be optionally used.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aqueous liquid cleansing compositionswhich are biphasic in nature. More specifically, such compositions arecharacterized by having (assuming they have been standing a sufficientlylong period of time after shaking) both an upper aqueous layer and aseparate lower aqueous layer. In the subject invention, formation of thebiphasic liquids is induced by use of sufficient amount of polydextrosein combination with sucrose. In preferred embodiment, the polydextroseis within an approximate molecular weight window. Use of sucrose widensthe window of polydextrose which can be used and lowers the levels ofpolydextrose necessary to achieve biphasic effect.

BACKGROUND

Biphasic liquids defined by the general fact that the liquid is dividedinto two phases are not new. Most of these liquids comprise both onelayer which is an aqueous layer and a second layer comprising a waterimmiscible oily material.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,609 to Weimer, for example, discloses a liquiddetergent composition having an aqueous layer and a layer of liquidwater immiscible oily material. When shaken, the liquid forms atemporary oil-in-water emulsion.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,478 to Olson Jr. et al. discloses a twophase shampoo composition made by preparing substantially polar andlipophilic portions of a shampoo composition.

Biphasic compositions comprising an upper and lower aqueous phase arealso disclosed in the art. U.S. Ser. No. 09/643,142 to Williams et al.,entitled “A Separating MultiPhase Personal Wash Composition in aTransparent or Translucent Package” discloses biphasic compositionscomprising:

(a) 5 to 35% surfactant;

(b) 1 to 12% thickener;

(c) 4 to 20% polyalkylene glycol; and

(d) sufficient non-chelating mineral salt to induce phase separation.

While the total amount of salt/electrolyte is not specifically discussedin the above specification, it is apparent from the examples that theamount sufficient to induce formation of biphasic layer is at least inthe order of 4%, 5%, 6% and greater. By contrast, in the subjectinvention, salt is not required at all for biphasic formation and, ifused, is generally in an amount less than 4%, preferably about 3% by wt.or less and more preferably about 2% by wt. or less. As discussed in thespecification below, using small amounts of salt (i.e., about 0.5% to3%, preferably 0.5% to 1%) does allow less amount of polydextrose to beused to induce biphasic formation.

Unlike the biphasic compositions in the Williams et al. specification,the biphasic compositions of the subject invention are induced by acombination polydextrose and sucrose (and optionally salt). The biphasiccompositions of the invention are stable and do not require eitherthickener or polyalkylene glycol as is required by the compositions ofWilliams.

EP 0,116,422 to Reckett and Coleman also discloses multi-layeredcompositions in which two liquids are dispersible and which separate onstanding. Again, at least 6% salt/electrolyte (e.g., sodiumhexamataphosphate) are required in these compositions (see page 4, lines17-19). The biphasic liquids of the invention are induced bypolydextrose in combination with sucrose, not salt, and no salt isrequired, although small amounts (e.g., up to about 4%, preferably about3% or less, more preferably about 1.5% or less, more preferably about 1%or less) may be used. Use of small amounts of salt tend to allow use ofless sucrose and/or polydextrose.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention (e.g., where MW ofpolydextrose is above 1800) use of some salt is preferred to helpstability of lower aqueous phase which tends to be more opaque whenhigher MW polydextrose (e.g., above 1800) are used.

In addition, the compositions of the subject invention are preferablyused in translucent or transparent compositions (i.e., for the sensorialbenefit) and such is not taught or suggested in EP 0,116,422.

Applicants have filed a co-pending application on same date as subjectapplication in which biphasic as induced by use of polydextrose alone(and optionally salt depending on levels of polydextrose). The subjectinvention differs from said application in that there is required theuse of sucrose in combination with polydextrose and this combination ofpolydextrose and sucrose provides greater flexibility as to amount ofpolydextrose used (with or without salt). Further, while the co-pendingapplication requires polydextrose of defined molecular weight, such isnot believed required by the present invention (although, as notedabove, where MW of polydextrose is above 1800, preferably minimalamounts of salt, e.g., at least 0.1%, preferably at least 0.5%, shouldbe used to help stabilize the lower, more opaque layer formed from theuse of higher MW polydextrose; where no salt is used, preferablymolecular weight of polydextrose is below 1500 and more preferably below1200).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Applicants have now found that biphasic liquids (e.g., liquids whichseparate into top and bottom aqueous liquids) may be induced by additionof sufficient quantity of specifically defined polydextrose incombination with sucrose. This induction can occur with or without useof salt, although use of salt may lower amount of polydextrose used (andis also preferred when MW of polydextrose is above 1800; when suchpolydextrose is used, use of stabilizer, e.g., xanthan gum, is alsopreferred). Very low amounts of polydextrose (e.g., as low as about 2.5%by wt.) can be used if sucrose and/or surfactant levels are sufficientlyhigh.

More specifically, the present invention comprises liquid personalcleansing compositions comprising:

(1) 5% to 75%, preferably 6% to 40% by wt. of a surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixturesthereof;

(2) at least about 2.5%, more preferably at least 10% by wt. ofpolydextrose or mixture of polydextrose molecules. It is preferred,although not required that polydextrose have a degree of polymerization(e.g., number of linking glucose units) of 4 to 22 (this corresponds toMW of about 600 to about 3600);

(3) at least about 2.5% to 50% sucrose; and

(4) balance water and minors.

In a second embodiment of the claims, the invention comprisescompositions wherein at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%, morepreferably at least 2% salt is used. Generally slightly higher saltallows use of slightly less polydextrose.

In another embodiment of the invention, when polydextrose of MW above1800 is used, it is also preferred to use some salt. It is furtherpreferred to use some stabilizer (e.g., xanthan gum, carbopol) tostabilize the generally more opaque lower layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to biphasic liquid cleansing-compositionswherein the formation of the biphasic liquid is induced by the additionof sufficient amount of polydextrose in combination with sucrose.Preferably, the degree of polymerization (defining number of linkingglucose groups) of the polydextrose is 4 to 22.

More specifically, the invention comprises:

(1) 5% to 75% by wt. of a surfactant selected from the group consistingof anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic,cationic surfactant and mixtures thereof;

(2) at least 2.5%, preferably 10% by wt. polydextrose; preferably,although not necessarily, the degree of polymerization (i.e., number oflinking glucose units) of the polydextrose is 4 to 22 corresponding to aMW of 600 to 3600; preferably MW is 700 to 1800, more preferably 900 to1500 and more preferably 900 to 1200 (at higher MW polydextrose, use ofat least 0.1% to, preferably at least 0.5% salt is preferred as is, evenmore preferred, use of some additional stabilizer);

(3) at least about 2.5% sucrose; and

(4) balance water and minors.

As noted, when polydextrose of MW above 1800 is used, some salt ispreferably used.

The general concept behind the invention is that, when sufficient amountof specified polydextrose is added in combination with sucrose, phaseseparation occurs. The sucrose lower level of polydextrose need toachieve the effect. Different surfactant systems can be used and thespecific type of surfactants is not a limiting factor.

The inventive compositions may be used in combination with a transparentpackage in order to view the liquid. Thus, in one embodiment, theinvention also comprises a system comprising said transparent ortranslucent package in combination with the liquid.

Typically, once the biphasic composition is formed (e.g, the composition“settles” after having been shaken), the viscosity of the lower layer islower than that of the upper layer.

Also, the density of lower layer is typically greater than that of upperlayer.

Typically, in such biphasic liquids, there is no recrystallizationvisible after composition has been standing for 6 months at roomtemperature.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a small amount of salt is usedand the amount of polydextrose needed to induce biphasic liquid may bereduced. More specifically, in this embodiment, the compositioncomprises at least 0.5% salt and at least 2.5% polydextrose.

In a third embodiment, the polydextrose is of MW above 1800 and somesalt (at least 0.1%, preferably at least 0.5%) is used. More preferably,some stabilizer is added to this embodiment.

The various components of the composition are discussed in greaterdetail below.

Surfactant

The surfactant generally will comprise 5 to 75% by wt. of the totalcomposition.

The surfactant is a surfactant which may be selected from the groupconsisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixturesthereof. Preferably, there will be at least one anionic surfactant.

Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants are disclosed inMcCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1986),published by Allured Publishing Corporation; McCutcheon's Functionalmaterials, North Americas Edition (1992), both of which are incorporatedby reference into the subject application.

Examples of anionic surfactants include sarcosinates, sulfates,isethionates, taurates, phosphates, lactylates, glutamates and mixturesthereof. Among isethionates are preferred alkoxyl isethionates such assodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate and mixtures.

The alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates typically have the respectiveformulae ROSO₃M and RO(C₂H₄O)_(x)SO₃M, wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl offrom about 10 to about 30 carbon atoms, x is from about 1 to about 10,and M is a water-soluble cation such as ammonium, sodium, potassium,magnesium and triethanolamine. Another suitable class of anionicsurfactants are the water-soluble salts of the organic, sulfuric acidreaction products of the general formula:

R₁&SO₃&M

wherein R₁ is chosen from the group consisting of a straight or branchedchain, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon of radical having from about 8 toabout 24, preferably about 10 to about 16, carbon atoms; and M is acation. Still other anionic synthetic surfactants include the classdesignated as succinamates, olefin sulfonates having about 12 to about24 carbon atoms, and ^(ε) _(γ)-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates. Examples ofthese materials are sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Other anionic materials useful herein are soaps (i.e., alkali metalsalts, e.g., sodium or potassium salts or ammonium or triethanolaminesalts) of fatty acids, typically having from about 8 to about 24 carbonatoms, preferably from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms. The fattyacids used in making the soaps can be obtained from natural sources suchas, for instance, plant or animal-derived glycerides (e.g., palm oil,coconut oil, soybean oil, castor oil, tallow, lard, etc.). The fattyacids can also be synthetically prepared. Soaps are described in moredetail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,853.

Other useful anionic materials include phosphates such as monoalkyl,dialkyl, and trialkylphosphate salts.

Other anionic materials include alkanoyl sarcosinates corresponding tothe formula RCON(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CO₂M wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl of about10 to about 20 carbon atoms, and M is a water-soluble cation such asammonium, sodium, potassium and alkanolamine (e.g., triethanolamine), apreferred examples of which are sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodiumcocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, and sodium myristoylsarcosinate. TEA salts of sarcosinates are also useful.

Also useful are taurates which are based on taurine, which is also knownas 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. Especially useful are taurates havingcarbon chains between C₈ and C₁₆. Examples of taurates includeN-alkyltaurines such as the one prepared by reacting dodecylamine withsodium isethionate according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,072which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthernon-limiting examples include ammonium, sodium, potassium andalkanolamine (e.g., triethanolamine) salts of lauroyl methyl taurate,myristoyl methyl taurate, and cocoyl methyl taurate.

Also useful are lactylates, especially those having carbon chainsbetween C₈ and C₁₆. Non-limiting examples of lactylates includeammonium, sodium, potassium and alkanolamine (e.g., triethanolamine)salts of lauroyl lactylate, cocoyl lactylate, lauroyl lactylate, andcaproyl lactylate.

Also useful herein as anionic surfactants are alkylamino carboxylatessuch as glutamates, especially those having carbon chains between C₈ andC₁₆. Non-limiting examples of glutamates include ammonium, sodium,potassium and alkanolamine (e.g., triethanolamine) salts of lauroylglutamate, myristoyl glutamate, and cocoyl glutamate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred anionic lathering surfactants usefulherein include those selected from the group consisting of sodium laurylsulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodiumlaureth sulfate, sodium trideceth sulfate, ammonium cetyl sulfate,sodium cetyl sulfate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroylisethionate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, triethanolamine lauroyllactylate, sodium caproyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodiummyristoyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl methyltaurate, sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodiummyristoyl glutamate, and sodium cocoyl glutamate and mixtures therefor.

Especially preferred for use herein is ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammoniumlauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauroylsarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate,sodium lauroyl lactate, and triethanolamine lauroyl lactylates.

Nonionic Lathering Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of nonionic lathering surfactants for use in thecompositions of the present invention are disclosed in McCutcheon's,Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1986), published byallured Published Corporation; and McCutcheon's, Functional materials,North American Edition (1992); both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

Nonionic lathering surfactants useful herein include those selected formthe group consisting of alkyl glucosides, alkyl polyglucosides,polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, alcoholethoxylates, lathering sucrose esters, amine oxides, and mixturesthereof.

Alkyl glucosides and alkylipolyglucosides are useful herein, and can bebroadly defined as condensation articles of long chain alcohols, e.g.,C8-30 alcohols, with sugars or starches or sugar or starch polymersi.e., glycosides or polyglycosides. These compounds can be representedby the formula (S)_(n)—O—R wherein S is a sugar moiety such as glucose,fructose, mannose, and galactose; is an integer of from about 1 to about1000, and R is a C8-30 alkyl group. Examples of long chain alcohols fromwhich the alkyl group can be derived include decyl alcohol, cetylalcohol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleylalcohol and the like. Preferred examples of these surfactants includethose wherein S is a glucose moiety, R is a C8-20 alkyl group, and n isan integer of from about 1 to about 9. Commercially available examplesof these surfactants include decyl polyglucoside (available as APG 325CS from Henkel) and lauryl polyglucoside (available as APG 600 CS and625 CS from Henkel). Also useful are sucrose ester surfactants such assucrose cocoate and sucrose laurate.

Other useful nonionic surfactants include polyhydroxy fatty acid amidesurfactants, more specific examples of which include glucosamides,corresponding to the structural formula:

wherein R¹ is H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxy-propyl,preferably C₁-C₄ alkyl, more preferably methyl or ethyl, most preferablymethyl;R² is C₅-C₃₁ alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C7-C₁₉ alkyl oralkenyl, more preferably C₉-C₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, most preferablyC₁₁-C₁₅ alkyl or alkenyl; and Z is a polyhydroxy hydrocarbyl moietyhaving a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyl directlyconnected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative (preferablyethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z preferably is a sugar moietyselected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, maltose,lactose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and mixtures thereof. As especiallypreferred surfactant corresponding to the above structure is coconutalkyl N-methyl glucoside amide (i.e., wherein the R²CO-moiety is derivedform coconut oil fatty acids). Processes for making compositionscontaining polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are disclosed, for example, inGB Patent Specification 809,060, published Feb. 18, 1959, by ThomasHedley & Co., Ltd.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,965,576, to E. R. Wilson, issuedDec. 20, 1960; U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,798 to A. M. Schwartz, issued Mar. 8,1955; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,985,424, to Piggott, issued Dec. 25, 1934;which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Other examples of nonionic surfactants include amine oxides. Amineoxides correspond to the general formula R₁R₂R₃NO, wherein R₁ containsan alkyl, alkenyl or monohydroxyl alkyl radical of from about 8 to about18 carbon atoms, from 0 to about 10 ethylene oxide moieties, and from 0to about 1 glyceryl moiety, and R₂ and R3 contain from about 1 to about3 carbon atoms and from 0 to about 1 hydroxy group, e.g., methyl, ethyl,propyl, hydroxyethyl, or hydroxypropyl radicals. The arrow in theformula is a conventional representation of a semipolar bond. Examplesof amine oxides suitable for use in this invention includedimethyidodecylamine oxide, oleyldi(2-hydroxyethyl) amine oxide,dimethyloctylamine oxide, dimethyl-decylamine oxide,dimethyl-tetradecylamine oxide, 3,6,9-trioxaheptadecyidiethylamineoxide, di(2-hydroxyethylytetradecylamine oxide,2-dodecoxyethyidimethylamine oxide,3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi(3-hydroxypropyl)amine oxide,diemethylhexadecyclamine oxide.

Non-limiting examples of preferred nonionic surfactants for use hereinare those selected form the group consisting of C8-C14 glucose amides,C8-C14 alkyl polyglucosides, sucrose cocoate, sucrose laurate, lauramineoxide, cocoamine oxide, and mixtures thereof.

Amphoteric Lathering Surfactants

The term “amphoteric lathering surfactant,” as used herein, is alsointended to encompass zwitterionic surfactants, which are well known toformulators skilled in the art as a subset of amphoteric surfactants.

A wide variety of amphoteric lathering surfactants can be used in thecompositions of the present invention. Particularly useful are thosewhich are broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary andtertiary amines, preferably wherein the nitrogen is in a cationic state,in which the aliphatic radicals can be straight or branched chain andwherein one of the radicals contains an ionizable water solubilizinggroup, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants useful in thecompositions of the present invention are disclosed in McCutcheon's,Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1986), published byAllured Publishing Corporation; and McCutcheon's, Functional Materials,North American Edition (1992); both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

Non-limiting examples of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants arethose selected from the group consisting of betaines, sultaines,hydroxysultaines, alkyliminoacetates, iminodialkanoates,aminoalkanoates, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of betaines include the higher alkyl betaines, such as cocodimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine,lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethylbetaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine (available as Lonaine 16SP from LonzaCorp.), lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyldimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, laurylbis-(hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropylbetaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfopropyl betaine, amidobetaines and amidosulfobetaines (wherein theRCONH(CH₂)3 radical is attached to the nitrogen atom of thebetaine),oleyl betaine (available as amphoteric Velvetex OLB-50 fromHenkel), and cocamidopropyl betaine (available as Velvetex BK-35 andBA-35 from Henkel).

Example of sultaines and hydroxysultaines include materials such ascocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (available as Mirataine CBS fromRhone-Poulenc).

Preferred for use herein are amphoteric surfactants having the followingstructure:

wherein R¹ is unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight orbranched chain alkyl having from about 9 to about 22 carbon atoms.Preferred R¹ has from about 11 to about 18 carbon atoms; more preferablyfrom about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms; more preferably still from about14 to about 18 carbon atoms; m is an integer from 1 to about 3, morepreferably from about 2 to about 3, and more preferably about 3; n iseither 0 or 1, preferably 1; R² and R³ are independently selected fromthe group consisting of alkyl having from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms,unsubstituted or mono-substituted with hydroxy, preferred R² and R³ areCH₃; X is selected form the group consisting of CO₂, SO₃ and SO₄; R⁴ isselected form the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, straightor branched chain alkyl, unsubstituted or mono-substituted with hydroxy,having from 1 to about 5 carbon atoms. When X is CO₂, R⁴ preferably has1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon atom. When X is SO₃ orSO₄, R⁴ preferably has from about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms, morepreferably 3 carbon atoms.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants of the present invention include thefollowing compounds:

Cetyl dimethyl betaine (this material also has the CTFA designationcetyl betaine);

Cocamidopropylbetaine

wherein R has from about 9 to about 13 carbon atoms.

Cocamidopropyl hydroxy sultaine

wherein R has from about 9 to about 13 carbon atoms.

Cationic Surfactants

Cationic surfactants are another useful class of surfactants that can beemployed as auxiliary agents. They are particularly useful as additivesto enhance skin feel, and provide skin conditioning benefits. One classof cationic surfactants is heterocyclic ammonium salts such as cetyl orstearyl pyridinium chloride, alkyl amidoethyl pyrrylinodium methylsulfate, lapyrium chloride.

Tetra alkyl ammonium salts is another useful class of cationicsurfactants. Examples include cetyl or stearyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride or bromide; hydrogenated palm or tallow trimethylammoniumhalides; behenyl trimethyl ammonium halides or methyl sulfates; decylisononyl dimethyl ammonium halides; ditallow (or distearyl) dimethylammonium halides; behenyl dimethy ammonium chloride.

Other types of cationic surfactants that can be employed are the variousethoxylated quatemary amines and ester quats. Examples are PEG-5 stearylammonium lactate (e.g., Genamin KSL manufactured by Clarion), PEG-2 cocoammonium chloride, PEG-15 hydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride, PEG 15stearyl ammonium chloride, dialmitoyl ethyl methyl ammonium chloride,dipalmitoyl hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate, strearyl amidopropyldimethylamine lactate.

Still other useful cationic surfactants are quaternized hydrolysates ofsilk, wheat, and keratin proteins.

Polydextrose

The compound which added to the formulation which induces formation ofbiphasic (multiphasic) liquid is polydextrose. Generally, thepolydextrose has a formulation as follows:

wherein n (defining number of linking glucose units) is preferably, butnot necessary, from about 4 to about 22.

The preferred biphasic inducing polydextrose compounds of the inventionnoted above may also be defined by molecular weight in that they shouldhave MW range of from 600 to about 3600, more preferably 700 to 3000,more preferably 700 to 1800, more preferably 900 to 1500, even morepreferably 900 to 1200.

It should be understood that the critical point is that the structure issuch as to induce formation of a multiphasic/biphasic formulationdefined by those characteristics which in turn define the biphasicliquid (e.g., viscosity and stability in the biphasic state).

The amount of polydextrose used to induce biphasic state may varydepending on whether salt/electrolyte is used. Further, salt ispreferably used (as well as stabilizer) if MW of polydextrose issufficiently high.

Generally, whether or not salt is used (use of no or little salt alsodistinguishes this invention from other biphasic liquids of the artwhere relatively large amounts of salt, e.g., greater than 3% by wt.,are in fact required to induce the biphasic liquid), there is needed atleast 2.5% by wt., preferably at least 10% by wt. of polydextrose toinduce biphasic separation. Generally, if less than,10% polydextrose isused, at least 2% salt will be needed.

There is generally a balance between the amount of surfactant used andthe amount of polydextrose or sucrose. Generally lower surfactantrequires more polydextrose or sucrose and, conversely, more surfactantrequires less polydextrose or sucrose.

Generally, the upper limit of polydextrose used is about 75%. This isnot an upper limit with regard to inducing biphasic liquid.

In addition, there is some interplay between molecular weight ofpolydextrose and use of salt. Thus, although not required, if MW ofpolydextrose is above 1800, preferably at least 0.1%, more preferably atleast 0.5%, salt should be used. This is because the higher MWpolydextrose tends to form a more opaque lower layer which salt helpsstabilize.

In this embodiment, it is even further preferred to add stabilizers.Among the stabilizers which are preferred, but not necessarily used,include gums such as xanthan gum, guar gum or chemically modified guargums. Other stabilizers include hydrophobically modified polyethers,hydrophobically modified acrylates and hydrophobically modifiedpolyurethanes, all of which are described in the “optional” sectionbelow. If used, the stabilizers may comprise 0.01 to 3.0%, preferably0.01 to 1.0% by wt. of the composition.

A third requirement of the invention is sucrose. Generally, sucrose willhave structure as follows:

Generally, at least 2.5%, preferably at least 10% sucrose is used andlevels can be as high as 5%, preferably no higher than 40%.

If electrolyte/salt is used, it typically will be used in amount of 0.5%to no higher than 4%, preferably no higher than about 3% by wt. of totalcomposition. However, if less than about 10% polydextrose is used,generally at least about 2% salt is needed.

Preferably, the electrolyte is not a chelating electrolyte (these aregenerally poor in biodegradability).

Typically, the electrolyte should be a salt of a sulphate, bisulfate,carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, chloride, etc. Examples includesodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, ammonium sulphate, sodium chloride,and magnesium chloride. Magnesium sulphate and sodium chloride areparticularly preferred.

Finally, the balance of composition is water and minors.

Optional

The following optional ingredients may be used in themultiphasic/biphasic compositions of the invention.

The composition may contain polyalkylene glycol. The polyalkylene glycolshould be an alcohol, glycol or polyether of minimal molecular weightwhich is not irritating to the skin.

Examples of such include alcohols, particularly polyalkylene oxideshaving MW 200-6000, preferably 200 to 3000. The polyalkylene glycol canbe comprised of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or theirmixtures either as polymers or copolymers. Specific examples includepolyethylene glycols such as PEG 400. As noted, use of such alcohols isnot required.

The composition may further comprise thickeners. Generally, thethickener/viscosity modifier serves to thicken the upper and/or lowerlayer. As noted above, when MW of polydextrose is above 1800, use ofstabilizer/thickeners (as well as salt) are particularly preferred.

Thickeners which may be used, generally, include hydrophobicallymodified polyethers. Examples of this class of thickeners which may beused include but are not limited to sugar esters such as PEG (160)sorbitan triisostearate (Rheodol TWS -399C ex Kao Chemicals) or PEG-120Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate ex Croda. Other examples include GlucamDOE 120 (PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate); Rewoderm® (PEG modifiedglyceryl cocoate, palmate or tallowate) from Rewo Chemicals; Antil® 141(from Goldschmidt); and Carbopol® polymers from Noveon.

Another class of suitable polymers are hydrophobically modifiedcellulose ethers including but not limited to hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose and cellulose ethers with long pendant chainssuch as nonoxynyl hydroxyethylcellulose (Amerchol Polymer HM 1500).

Another class of suitable polymers are the hydrophobically modifiedacrylate copolymers such as Antil 208® (ex Goldschmidt)(acrylate/steareth-50 acrylate copolymer).

Another class of suitable polymers are the hydrophobically modifiedpolyurethanes such as Acrysol series (e.g., Acrysol RM-2020) from Rhomand Haas.

Another class of suitable thickeners are xanthan gums, guar gums andchemically modified guar gums.

In addition to the ingredients noted above, the compositions of theinvention may contain hydrotropes including but not limited to shortchain monohydric or dihydric alcohols, xylene sulphonate and hexyleneglycol whose purpose is to avoid the formation of liquid crystal phasesresulting from the separation of the surfactant material into the upperphase hence increasing its apparent concentration.

The compositions may comprise benefit agents. Benefit agent may be anymaterial that has potential to provide an effect on, for example, theskin.

The benefit agent may be water insoluble material that can protect,moisturize or condition the skin upon deposition from compositions ofinvention. These may include silicon oils and gums, fats and oils,waxes, hydrocarbons (e.g., petrolatum), higher fatty acids and esters,vitamins, sunscreens. They may include any of the agents, for example,mentioned at column 8, line 31 to column 9, line 13 of U.S. Pat. No.5,759,969, hereby incorporated by reference into the subjectapplication.

The benefit agent may also be a water soluble material such as glycerin,polyols (e.g., saccharides), enzyme and α- or β-hydroxy acid eitheralone or entrapped in an oily benefit agent.

The benefit agent may be found in either the upper or the lower layerdepending on its solubility and partition coefficient, for example, oilmay partition into the upper layer while more water soluble agents(e.g., ^(s) _(x)-hydroxyacids) may go into the lower.

The compositions may comprise perfumes, sequestering agents such as EDTAEHDP in amounts 0.01 to 1%, preferably 0.01 to 0.05%; coloring agents,opacifiers and pearlizers such as zinc stearate, magnesium stearate,TiO2, mica, EGMS (ethylene glycol monostrearate) or styrene/acrylatecopolymers.

The compositions may further comprise antimicrobials such as 2-hydroxy4,2′4′ trichlorodiphenylether (DP300), 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide,essential oils and preservatives such as dimethyl hydantoin (Glydant XL1000), parabens, sorbic acid etc.

The compositions may also comprise coconut acyl mono or diethanol amidesas suds boosters, and strongly ionizing salts such as sodium chlorideand sodium sulfate may also be used to advantage.

Antioxidants such as, for example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) may beused advantageously in amounts of about 0.01% or higher if appropriate.

Cationic conditioners which may be used including Quatrisoft LM-200Polyquaternium-24, Merquat Plus 3330-Polyquaternium 39; and Jaguar® typeconditioners.

Composition may also include clays such as Bentonite® claims as well asparticulates such as abrasives, glitter, and shimmer.

The compositions of the invention, when unmixed, have a viscosity of thelower layer which is lower than the viscosity of the upper layer and adensity of the lower layer which is greater than the density of theupper layer.

The compositions of the invention, in a separated state, are also stablein that no recrystallization (e.g., in the lower layer) occurs even whenleft sitting for more than 6 months at temperature of 0° C.

Compositions of the invention have an experiential element in that theyare intended to be agitated by the consumer to mix and form a singlevisible phase before separating again after a time, anywhere from abouta few seconds to not more than about 24 hours.

When mixed, the compositions have a viscosity in the range of 100 to 700cps/mPas at 25° C. is measured using RV spindle #2 at 10 RPM.

Finally, the packages in which the compositions are contained arepreferably translucent or transparent. By this is meant that thematerials (e.g., plastics) have a light transmittance of greater than50%, preferably greater than 75%, more preferably greater than 85% asmeasured at wavelength of 460 nm as determined by standard spectroscopymethod. In practical terms the package should be sufficientlytransparent to permit the separation of the two or more layers to bevisible to the naked eye.

Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwiseexplicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amountsor ratios of materials or conditions or reaction, physical properties ofmaterials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word“about”.

Where used in the specification, the term “comprising” is intended toinclude the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components,but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more features,integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The following examples are intended to further illustrate the inventionand are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Unless indicated otherwise, all percentages are intended to bepercentages by weight.

Methodology Measurement of Viscosity

Description

Brookfield Viscometer was used to measure the viscosities of liquid andsemisolid personal wash products at various shear rates.

Equipment

The instrument was a Brookfield DV-II+Viscometer which includes thestand, RV spindles, 600 ml beakers for loading samples, and a waterbathwhich is maintained at 25° C.

Operational Procedure

The water bath, which is set to 25° C., and Brookfield viscometer wereturned on.

All spindles were removed from the viscometer, and the unit was zeroed.

Measurements:

The appropriate spindle and rotation should be selected such that thereadings fall within an operational range determined by Brookfield forthat spindle and rotation.

(a) 500 ml of sample product is poured into a 600 ml beaker;

(b) the beaker is then placed into the waterbath until the productreaches 25° C.;

(c) the appropriate spindle is then submerged into the product at a 45degree angle to the surface of the product;

i) if RV Spindle #1 is used, the spindle can be submerged at a 90 degreeangle to the product surface.

(d) the viscometer is then lowered down, and the spindle is carefullyattached to the lower shaft of the viscometer;

(e) the viscometer is then set to the appropriate rotational speed andthe motor is turned on;

(f) the motor remains on for one complete rotation of the spindle, atwhich time the viscosity is read on the display and recorded;

(g) the viscometer and spindle are raised out of the product, thespindle is removed, and then cleaned off of all product.

Materials & Methods

Materials

TABLE 1 Raw Materials Trade Name Structure Na-Laureth Ether SulfateSteol CS-230 — Coco Amido Propyl Betaine Tegobetaine F-50 — Almeo BlendAlmeo Blend — Sorbitol Sorbitol

Sucrose Sucrose

Glucose Glucose

Polydextrose (Av. MW = 3600) Polydextrose (Av. MW = 1800) Polydextrose(Av. MW = 1000) Polydextrose (Av. MW = 720) Maltrine M40 Maltrine M100Maltrine M180 Maltrine M250

Magnesium Sulfate Mg*SO4 —

Formulation Preparation:

A simple solution of each ingredient was prepared at about 5 wt. % toabout 60 wt. % without any saccharides. Then solutions were added todesired level. After adding all the solutions, samples were mixed andshaken to insure mixture was homogeneous. The samples were leftundisturbed for 24 hours at room temperature and observations then made.

Viscosity & Product Appearance

Formulations were screened for viscosity using standard PW protocols asset forth in methodology section above. The formulations were observedfor any discoloration and re-crystallisation of saccharides at roomtemperature.

EXAMPLES 1-4 AND COMPARATIVES

Table 2 below was made to show the effects of combination ofpolydextrose and sucrose.

TABLE 2 Comp. A Ex. 1 Comp. B Ex. 2 Comp. C Ex. 3 Comp. D Ex. 4Ingredients % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt %wt/wt Ammonium Lauryl 3.48 3.48 5.22 5.22 6.96 6.96 4.785 4.785 SulfateAmmonium Lauryl 3.48 3.48 5.22 5.22 6.96 6.96 4.785 4.785 Ether SulfateCocomono- 0.696 0.696 1.044 1.044 1.392 1.392 0.957 0.957 ethanolamidePeg 5 Coco- 0.344 0.344 0.516 0.516 0.688 0.688 0.473 0.473monoethanolamide Polydextrose M180 25 25 15 15 25 25 10 10 PolydextroseM100 — — — — — — — — MgSO4 1 1 3 3 0 0 2.5 2.5 Minors (Fragrance, — — —— — — 1 1 pH Adjusters, etc.) Sucrose — 15 — 15 — 15 0 15 Water Q.S. toQ.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. 100 100 100 100 100100 100 to 100 Biphasic No Yes, No Yes, No Yes, No Yes, 40:60 60:4090:10 80:20

As seen from Comparative A, B and D, use of salt alone in combinationwith polydextrose was not sufficient to induce biphasic formation. Onlywhere sufficient sucrose was added, whether or not salt was present (seeExample 3), did biphasic form.

EXAMPLES 5-9 AND COMPARATIVES

TABLE 3 Examples Demonstrating Sucrose Compa- Example Example ExampleExample Example rative 5 6 7 8 9 Ingredients % wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt %wt/wt % wt/wt % wt/wt Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate 2.175 2.175 17.4 17.4 5.225.22 Ammonium Lauryl Ether 2.175 2.175 17.4 17.4 5.22 5.22 SulfateCocomonoethanolamide 0.435 0.435 3.48 3.48 1.044 1.044 Peg 5 0.215 0.2151.72 1.72 0.516 0.516 Cocomonoethanolaide Polydextrose M180 2.5 2.5 4515 Polydextrose M100 — — — — 18 10 MgSO4 — — — — 1.5 3 Xanthan Gum — — —— 0.05 0.05 Minors (Fragrance, pH — — — — −2 −2 Adjusters, etc) Sucrose— 15 — 30 10 10 Water Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to Q.S. to100 100 100 100 100 100 Biphasic No Yes, 95:5 Yes, 95:5 Yes, 95:5 Yes,Yes, 70:30 70:30

Examples 5-7 shows varying levels of polydextrose (as low as 2.5%) andsucrose (as high as 30%) can be used.

In addition, Examples 8 and 9 show that different MW polydextrose can beused. As can be seen, at higher MW (polydextrose M 100), use of somesalt, as well as stabilizer (e.g., xanthan gum) is preferred.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid cleansing composition comprising: (a)about 5% to 75% by wt. of a surfactant selected from the groupconsisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixturesthereof; (b) at least about 2.5% of a polydextrose molecule ormolecules; (c) about 2.5% to 50% sucrose; and (d) balance water andminors; wherein said composition comprises at least two visiblyseparated aqueous based layers when left sitting without shaking orstirring.
 2. A composition according to claim 1, comprising 6% to 40%surfactant.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the degree ofpolymerization of polydextrose is about 4 to about 22, corresponding toMW of about 600 to
 3600. 4. A composition according to claim 3, whereinMW of polydextrose is 700 to
 1800. 5. A composition according to claim4, wherein MW is 900 to
 1500. 6. A composition according to claim 5,wherein MW is 900 to
 1200. 7. A liquid cleansing composition comprising:(a) about 5% to 75% by wt. of a surfactant selected from the groupconsisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixturesthereof; (b) at least about 2.5% of a polydextrose molecule ormolecules; (c) about 0.5% to about 4% salt; (d) at least about 2.5%sucrose; and (e) balance water and minors; wherein said compositioncomprises at least two visibly separated aqueous based layers when leftsitting without shaking or stirring.
 8. A composition according to claim7, comprising about 1% to about 3% salt.
 9. A liquid cleansingcomposition according to claim 7, wherein molecular wt. of polydextroseis above
 1800. 10. A liquid cleansing composition according to claim 9,additionally comprising 0.01 to 3.0% stabilizer.